We have taken pool noodles, cut them up, and slid them over the ends of the lighter "toothpick" type staffs and went for it. That is actually pretty safe as long as you tape them up so the padding doesn't come off and the tips don't become exposed.

Consider you can generate much more force with a staff than with a bokken, so I wouldn't recommend a full-weight hardwood staff even with some padding.

Also, cutting up the pool noodles with knife strikes is a cheap tameshigiri exercise.

We have taken pool noodles, cut them up, and slid them over the ends of the lighter "toothpick" type staffs and went for it. That is actually pretty safe as long as you tape them up so the padding doesn't come off and the tips don't become exposed.

Consider you can generate much more force with a staff than with a bokken, so I wouldn't recommend a full-weight hardwood staff even with some padding.

Also, cutting up the pool noodles with knife strikes is a cheap tameshigiri exercise.

I would also suggest making sure there is about an inch or two of padding at the tip.

I've never worm a fencing mask. Is out less restrictive than a kendo Men head piece?

Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk

I find the fencing mask less restrictive. The kendo men makes it hard to turn your head sideways, which is fine for kendo since your two handed stance makes you stand more square to your opponent. When you're sparring with other stuff though, you may want to be more sideways. Also the clavicle protection can be a little cumbersome compared to a fencing bib. But honestly, if you're going at it with staves in earnest I'd say err on the side of caution. Even the Dog Brothers allow extra protection for staff fights. This can be in the form of headgear worn inside the fencing mask to absorb some impact (minimalist headgear like wrestling ear protection or something). I wear a beanie with ear covers inside my fencing mask for stickfighting. It takes some of the ring out of a head strike and minimizes rattling around.

I'm one of those people who believes in wearing armor. This is not because I don't believe in hard contact, pain or bruises. It's that you are simply able to train for longer periods of time and fight harder than you would be without armor. In addition to what Permalost suggested, motocross gear is good, as are shin pads.